Spray paint is one of the best friends of anyone with interest in DIY. The most complicated aspect is knowing which spray paint to choose for a given project.
To help you get started on your project as soon as possible and with the right tools, we have researched the best chrome spray paints on the market and listed them below.
If you need further guidance for other colors or types, we have prepared this concise buying guide, filled with all the information you need to know what to look for when buying spray paint.
Let’s start with the first product from Krylon!
The Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Good reflection
The Cons:
- Tend to peel off from metal
- Long drying time
Krylon has a rich history in aerosol paints, which shows in its products. Their chrome paint, which they refer to as “Original Chrome,“ is very easy to apply and is suitable for someone that is a novice when it comes to painting.
It is only intended for indoor use and may take a bit longer to dry than the other products listed. The paint is very forgiving to apply.
Even if you miss a spot and the paint has dried, it can be easily fixed by applying some extra paint. While you would probably prefer to cover everything at once, it does provide a consistent finish.
The spray itself is very even and will cover the material effectively.
Even the best spray paint is unlikely to produce a mirror-like chrome finish. Krylon Original Chrome does not quite achieve a mirror effect, but it does reflect the light relatively well.
The paint is advertised as being for indoor use only. With that said, you should also consider what type of material you are painting.
The Original Chrome spray paint from Krylon is most effective when sprayed onto plastic, wood, or wicker. Unfortunately, it does not perform quite as well on metal.
The Pros:
- Dries quickly
- Great for small touch-ups
The Cons:
- Not very reflective
This is another product from Krylon. However, this one has more of a satin chrome finish.
It comes in a small 3-ounce can. If you only need to do a small, precise touch-up, you can buy it as a paint pen.
It dries very quickly and is great if you need to paint something small.
Like the previous paint we described from Krylon, this one does not have the mirror finish that is associated with chrome.
The Pros:
- Amazing mirror-effect
- Durable
The Cons:
- Harder to apply than other paints
The innovators who created the first rust-preventive paint also make great chrome spray paint.
Rust-Oleum’s chrome spray paint gives the best mirror effect of all the spray paints on the market.
It applies the paint evenly, but you will need to be careful and ensure your technique is correct when using this paint, as it is more prone to running.
Usually, one or two coats will be enough, but it depends on the results you are trying to achieve. In any case, this paint is definitely one of the best on the market.
Overall, this is a great all-around chrome spray paint. It works on any kind of surface, but it is intended for indoor use only.
The Pros:
- Can be used on most materials
- Big can
The Cons:
- Spray tip/nozzle can be problematic
- Not reflective
VHT, an abbreviation for Very High Temperature, offers the Quick Coat Silver Chrome.
As the company name suggests, they make very durable and high-quality paint. This spray paint can be used virtually anywhere.
This means you can use the paint on both the interior and exterior of your car (or any type of furniture, gadgets, etc.).
The chrome is actually closer to matte silver, but it does provide a shine. However, if you are looking for a mirror effect, you won’t find it with this paint.
The cans hold 11 ounces of paint. If you have a bigger project to do, they are also sold in sets of six.
Unfortunately, the spray nozzle can be problematic, and so can the spray tip. With some time and experience, this issue can be minimized.
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How To Pick The Right Spray Paint
Spray paint is a great way to refresh the trim of your car or perhaps some accessories or furniture.
When it comes to spray paint (and paint in general), there are several things you should keep in mind. A special type of paint, such as chrome, could differ greatly, as mentioned in the text above.
Paint Surface
The first thing you should consider is what type of surface you will paint onto. As stated above, not all spray paints are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use or for different materials.
For example, acrylic paint is the most suitable for car parts as it is water-resistant and very durable. Enamel is great for outdoor furniture as it can tolerate harsh weather conditions.
Whatever you are painting, make sure to research which type of paint is the most suitable for your project.
Finish
The paint’s finish is not only part of its aesthetic; it can also reflect its durability.
As a general rule, the glossier the finish, the better the durability. If you plan to paint something that will be used a lot or subjected to harsher weather conditions, it might be wise to use a high-gloss finish.
Ultimately, you are the boss of what you paint and how it should look. If you like one finish more than another, even if it is less durable, there is nothing wrong with choosing the finish you prefer on an aesthetic level.
Consider Painting Equipment
While doing your paint shopping, consider buying some accessories for your painting project.
Depending on the type of paint you use, it could be toxic and cause damage to your lungs. This is why it is recommended to paint outside or in a well-ventilated room. As a precaution, you can use a respirator to protect yourself.
If you are working on a bigger project, consider using a trigger handle. Your fingers will be grateful, and it is usually easier to paint with a handle.
Last but not least, make sure you buy a good primer. A good primer might go unseen, but it plays a key role in a good paint job.
A good primer will complement the paint by improving adherence and preventing peeling, and the painted surface will need fewer coats to achieve the desired results.
Conclusion
Not every spray paint is for general use, and the results can vary greatly, depending on your project. Based on what you need it for, we have recommended the best paint for you below.
The best all-around chrome spray paint to use for your car trims or another DIY project is the VHT Quick Coat Silver Chrome.
The staff at VHT has done a great job creating spray paint that is durable and can be applied to almost every type of surface.
This spray paint can be used on plastic, fiberglass, wood, and pretty much anything else you can think of! The chrome paint can be more accurately described as matte silver, but it still looks great and is very durable.
If you are looking for the best chrome spray paint, then the Rust-Oleum Bright Coat Metallic Finish is the choice for you!
Not only does the can contain paint, but Rust-Oleum might have put a bit of magic into it as well. The chrome and mirror effects are incredible. It may not be perfect, but it is very close.
Just be sure to apply the paint properly by maintaining a consistent distance, and do not get too close, as the risk of running is greater than with other spray paints.
If you need a small but delicate fix, the Krylon Short Cuts Aerosol Spray Paint Chrome is the perfect spray paint for small and detailed paintwork.
It is very easy to use and comes in a smaller can, hopefully just enough for your quick fix. Not only is it easy to apply, but the satin chrome finish dries very quickly.
The best spray paint for first-time painters is the Krylon Premium Metallic Original Chrome. It is a very forgiving spray paint that provides great results.
For the best finish and durability, it is recommended to use it on objects that are indoors.